More than 18,500 veterans have raised concerns about a proposed VA rule that would base disability compensation on how a condition responds to medication, rather than on the underlying injury or illness itself. That is not a small signal.

A federal appeals court has upheld the military’s ban on enlistment for individuals living with HIV. This shifts the legal posture. It does not resolve the force design questions at stake.

Friendly Reminder: We're looking forward to seeing everyone tonight for happy hour at Her Diner in AdMo! And it's not too late to RSVP 🥂

For folks in DC, ONS warmly invites you to a casual happy hour next Tuesday (2/17) to connect with fellow development & humanitarian professionals. Allies and friends are welcome. First round on us! RSVP: shorturl.at/hYKSQ

@lfschleusener.bsky.social talks to Love Rutledge of the Fed Upward pod about how ONS supports LGBTQIA+ federal workers with programing and community, especially those being targeted by the administration. It's a great conversation (in under 10 minutes!) which you can find here: shorturl.at/X4LlS

Looking for a break from the chaotic news with something truly personal and meaningful? Our Co-Founder @lfschleusener.bsky.social was featured on an episode of "This Queer Book Saved My Life" about the life of civil and gay rights pioneer Bayard Rustin. Listen here: shorturl.at/TbFqh

For some lighter weekend listening, our Co-Founder @lfschleusener.bsky.social was featured on Gayish, a fantastic podcast Esquire says brings “a sense of thoughtfulness along with humor", as Luke guides them through NatSec news and impacts on our community Listen here: shorturl.at/RuWL1

A reminder: Join us this Saturday @ 2pm at the U.S. Botanical Gardens 🌿🌸🌻 SIGNUP HERE: shorturl.at/2vGJs

Join us at Thee Immigrant, 341 E 9th St, New York, 4-7 TONIGHT. If you get there early enough, you get swag.

Hey folks, Luke here. I’m sharing a brief look-ahead for ONS in 2026, and how you can be part of the movement. We're grounding our efforts in a simple framework: Protect. Grow. Build.

Chase away mid-winter gloom with ONS during an afternoon visit to the U.S. Botanic Garden. 🌿 Nothing says resilience like verdant plants and colorful flowers in January. And yes, it is wonderfully warm inside the gardens. 😎🌴🌸 Families are very welcome. Kids, partners, and chosen family included.

Chase away mid-winter gloom with fun and fellowship by joining ONS leaders at the US Botanical Garden. It's nice and warm inside 😎🌴🌸 When: Sat, Jan 31 - Meet at 2:00pm Where: Gather at Le Bon Cafe (210 2nd St SE) before walking together to the garden Sing up here: tinyurl.com/jrdhp2th

The news that the Pentagon has directed a pause on shipping HIV-positive recruits to initial military training signals a disturbing shift in policy and priorities. www.cnn.com/2026/01/17/p...

Prohibiting access to life-saving healthcare prohibits tens of thousands of Americans from serving their country because of who they are and not because of their competence or qualifications.

ICYMI

As approximately 4,000 transgender servicemembers are forcibly separated under a cruel and irrational EO, we are continuing to work with partners and state and local government to help patriotic Americans make this transition smoothly. www.outinnationalsecurity.org/transgender-...

We’re thrilled to be in attendance today among so many prior ONS honorees, friends, allies, and advisory’s for such an important event.

All veterans should have full access to reproductive care, whether it is contraception, counseling, abortions, IVF, or surrogacy. They should not have fewer benefits than the All-Volunteer Force or civilians. This furtive policy change is an insult and an attack on America's promise to veterans.

December 15 marks the anniversary of the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Fifteen years ago, the U.S. military formally ended a policy that forced thousands of servicemembers to choose between integrity and service.

It was a BIG year for ONS. Here's our greatest hits and favorite songs of 2025 !

As part of our spotlight series, Out Leader Alum Erik Lin-Greenberg has a fantastic new book called Remote Revolution! Erik provides a preview, and for more details the book is currently available with a pretty big discount from Cornell University Press (44% off) with the discount code: 09WINTER

Hear directly from Luke in under 2 minutes for the most critical provisions LGBTQI+ service members and vets need to know about the NDAA passed this week by the House.

The House just passed its version of the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA. Once a bipartisan effort focused on readiness and pay, it is increasingly being used as a vehicle for politics. Here is what the House bill means for LGBTQIA+ servicemembers, DoD civilians, and their families.

In @washblade.bsky.social our co-founder Luke shines a spotlight the Administration's dangerous discrimination campaign against LGBTQIA+ federal employees “It’s a climate of fear without any logical pattern — people doing important, everyday work suddenly find themselves targeted" shorturl.at/aCwza

Starting in 90 minutes. ONS virtual training at 7:00 PM ET. RSVP below

Join us this Wednesday at 7:00 PM to learn about how to get the most out of LinkedIn as a national security professional. RSVP here, and we'll see you there! docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

On Giving Tuesday, I'm asking you personally to consider supporting ONS. We're fighting for LGBTQ+ service members and veterans every day by pushing back on discriminatory policies, developing a new generation of leaders, and expanding our community outreach. Every donation makes a difference!

Today is World AIDS Day. We remember those we lost to HIV/AIDS, honor everyone who fought for care and dignity, and stand with all who continue that work now.

Join us this Wednesday at 7:00 PM to learn about how to get the most out of LinkedIn as a national security professional. RSVP here, and we'll see you there! docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

🇺🇸 bsky.app/profile/jean...

To our wonderful community, Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at Out In National Security

Check out Luke's newest piece on "The Second Lavender Scare" targeting transgender service members, and a practical, state-level repair path through our Trans Veterans Policy Toolkit www.washingtonblade.com/2025/11/24/s...

Join us tonight!

As we honor the sacrifices of generations of trans servicemembers, their bravery inspires us to do everything we can to protect trans veterans today. That's why ONS launched the Transgender Veterans Toolkit, a set of proven policy recommendations for state governments. Learn more: lnkd.in/gXFMYeQe

Folks, don't forget to join us tomorrow night for Karaoke at Dupont Italian Kitchen in DC, starting at 8:00 PM

Fantastic chat with @erininthemorning.com and the team, we appreciate fabulous independent journalists getting the word out 🙏 Our Trans Veterans Toolkit provides achievable quick wins for state and local leaders to help service-members access the benefits they've earned.

Exciting news! We’re partnering with @americanprogress.bsky.social to launch the Transgender Veterans Toolkit—a practical, state-focused resource for policymakers If you work on state policy, know folks who do, or want to be part of the solution, SHARE this video. Learn more here: lnkd.in/gXFMYeQe

We're looking forward to seeing folks tonight!

Join us today at 2:00 PM! Hit the link below to RSVP.

It’s just a business day away now! Don’t forget to sign up and tell your friends!

Next Monday, @americanprogress.bsky.social hosts Serving All Who Served, marking the rollout of the ONS State & Local Toolkit for Transgender Veterans. 🔗 my1.americanprogress.org/serving-all-...

We're happy to host a virtual Career Pivot Panel from 6:00 - 7:30 PM ET on Monday, November 10, 2025. Join us to hear from our panelists, who have built expertise in diverse fields as career coaches. RVSP here and we'll see you there. docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

Our CEO, @lfschleusener.bsky.social, on how governance and accountability can prevent history from repeating itself. clairepotter.substack.com/p/what-it-wo...

Important developments out now: www.bbc.com/news/article... This story reminds us that oversight, accountability, and service must go hand in hand to keep public institutions strong. #PublicService #Leadership #NationalSecurity

The Ruby Sachs Forum brought together advocates and public servants earlier this month. We’re grateful for everyone building and repairing institutions so that service can truly reflect the people it protects. Our recap: www.outinnationalsecurity.org/2025/10/21/r...

Feeling the impact of the shutdown? Need community and caffeine? ☕ Join us this Thursday for our ONS Furloughed Coffee Hour, a casual space to connect, share, and support one another. 📅 Thursday, Oct 23 | 11 AM–1 PM ET 📍 Doubles | 3118 Georgia Ave NW, DC

Tomorrow we’ll share reflections from this year’s Ruby Sachs Symposium, a conversation about leadership, empathy, and community in national security. Thanks again to @humanrights.ca and The LGBT Purge Fund for hosting us.

Coming out, in any context, is an act of courage and connection. Our 2025 reflection looks at what it means to belong in national security and to lead with integrity in public life. Read it here: www.outinnationalsecurity.org/2025/10/18/c...